Sporting Ararat Active City attire Deputy Premier and Leader of The Nationals Peter Ryan made the stunning funding pledge while in Ararat on Tuesday.

Mr Ryan said the Coalition Government was proud to have listened and responded to calls from the Ararat community to provide the significant amount of funding.

"If we make it over the line in 32 days time we're going to put the $2.5 million in over the next three years," he said.

Mr Ryan said Ararat Active will focus on preventative health, engaging at risk locals, working with schools and workplaces to encourage a healthier community, developing guidelines to tackle obesity and other participation programs.

"The program will help people of all ages to become active and participate positively in the community through five key areas including, Active Early Years, Active Learning, Active Workplaces, Active Aging and Active Leisure time.

"Through practical local programs in schools, workplaces and community organisations, Ararat Active will create a stronger, healthier local community.

"If this innovative program proves to be a success it would form a great template for other communities across the region and the state."

Overwhelmed by the announcement, Ararat Rural City Mayor, Cr Paul Hooper said council was committed to achieving real outcomes that will have an impact on all Victorians.

"Ararat Rural City has become a champion for preventative health at all levels from community to schools, to employees, employers and council," he said.

"We are passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of this community and to share what we have learned with other rural communities in Victoria and across Australia.

"In making this announcement Mr Ryan has demonstrated he too is committed to investing in preventative health as a means to developing rural communities.

"We've asked the government to take a leap of faith with us to fight the obesity epidemic and help us demonstrate to others what may be possible when communities work together to tackle this.

"These funds will assist us to work more closely with you - our community to make a permanent shift in culture towards a healthier and happier Ararat Rural City and to write a 'how to' book for similar communities across the country."

Mr Ryan said the portent of the Ararat Active program goes well beyond the boundaries of Ararat.

"We're interested in this because in an Australia wide perspective this has got the capacity to make very beneficial change," he said.

"The very nature of this is program is that it will be evolutionary as it has been up to date.

"The bottom line is you'll have people who feel much better about themselves, that in turn translates to them being much happier and healthier as a result."

The Nationals candidate for Ripon, Scott Turner said he was proud to have helped score such a significant win for the Ararat community.

"I have said repeatedly that we need support from government to help us on our journey to being a more active and healthy community," he said.

"Ever since the Biggest Loser came to town in 2012, we have been on the path to a healthier and more active Ararat and our community is already seeing the benefits.

"Obesity levels have fallen, and the risk of heart attacks, stroke and diabetes has been reduced."

Liberal candidate for Ripon, Louise Staley said coupled with a commitment for a $3.7 million community health centre, Tuesday's $2.5 million announcement was a game changer.

"I am delighted to be part of what are now two profoundly important projects for this community," she said.

"Projects that demonstrate the Coalition Government's strong commitment to health and wellbeing in this community.

"We now have a strong case and a big point of difference, promising significant investment in preventative and community health."

Mr Ryan has called on the Labor Party to commit to match his party's commitment dollar for dollar and provide the vital funding.

"I call on the Labor Party to match our commitment to ensure that Ararat Active is delivered no matter which side of politics wins November's election," he said.